Dishwasher repair or replace? What each fix costs

What dishwasher repairs cost

Angi’s 2026 data puts most repairs between $75 and $600. These are national estimates, not quotes (Angi).

• Motor: $250 to $600
• Control board: $200 to $400
• Pump: $150 to $350
• Heating element: $150 to $300
• Leak repair: $100 to $250
• Drainage problem: $100 to $250
• Sensor: $100 to $200
• Door latch: $75 to $175
• Spray arm: $75 to $150
• Hose: $75 to $130

Labor and extra charges

• Labor usually runs $75 to $125 an hour, and a diagnostic visit costs about $50 to $80 (Angi).
• Water line work can add $100 to $200, and electrical work $150 to $300 (Angi).
• Mold cleanup can cost $200 to $600. Emergency visits can add $50 to $150, and a permit, if one is needed, $50 to $200 (Angi).

Check these before you call

• The filter and spray arms. Angi says cleaning filters, unclogging spray arms and replacing racks are DIY-friendly fixes. Parts for DIY repairs run from about $10 to $300 (Angi). Unplug the unit or turn off the breaker first.
• Recalls. Search the CPSC recall list for your brand and model. Recall remedies can include a free repair, a replacement or a refund.
• Leaks. Water under the dishwasher can damage floors and cabinets. Turn off the water supply and call a pro if you can’t find the source. See our plumbing guide.

Repair or replace?

Angi’s rule of thumb is to repair a dishwasher that’s under 8 years old when the repair costs less than 50% of a new one. A new dishwasher with installation typically costs $500 to $1,300 (Angi). So a $150 spray arm or door latch fix is usually worth it. A $500 motor on an older machine usually isn’t.

Running costs help tip the decision. ENERGY STAR says a standard-size certified dishwasher costs about $50 a year to run. Compared with washing by hand, it can save about 8,400 gallons of water and about $220 in utility costs a year, using less than half the energy (ENERGY STAR). Check the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder before you buy.

Get more out of the one you have

• Scrape, don’t rinse. ENERGY STAR says to scrape food off instead of pre-rinsing dishes in the sink (ENERGY STAR).
• Run full loads. ENERGY STAR recommends running the dishwasher only when it’s full (ENERGY STAR).

Would a home warranty help with the next dishwasher bill?

A home warranty is a service contract that helps pay to repair or replace some home systems and appliances. Know these numbers before you buy:

• Price. The DC Attorney General says a basic home warranty costs $500 a year or more (DC Attorney General). NerdWallet’s average was about $876 a year (NerdWallet).
• Service fee. You usually pay a fee for each repair visit, typically $75 or more (DC Attorney General). NerdWallet found an average of about $108 (NerdWallet).
• Is the item covered? Some plans exclude kitchen appliances, water heaters, furnaces and other major appliances, or charge extra to cover them (DC Attorney General).
• Caps and exclusions. Claims can be capped. Contracts can exclude wear and tear, manufacturer defects and problems from skipped maintenance. The company may repair rather than replace, and may pick the contractor (DC Attorney General).

A dishwasher repair often costs less than a year of a home warranty plan (DC Attorney General), so a plan makes more sense if it also covers other aging appliances and systems in your home. Don’t count on a brand-new plan to pay for something that’s already broken; read when coverage starts and what it excludes. See our home warranty cost guide.